Wider adoption of average English diet 'could save lives'

Thousands of lives could be saved each year if everyone in the UK adopted the average diet eaten in England, scientists say.

Researchers at Oxford University studied death rates for heart disease, stroke and ten diet-related cancers for all four UK countries between 2007 and 2009.

They also estimated the average intake of ten dietary components in each of the four countries from data contained in the Family Food Survey during that period.

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The research team found that people in Scotland and Northern Ireland consistently ate more saturated fat and salt, as well as fewer fruits and vegetables, than their counterparts in England.

Death rates for heart disease, stroke and cancer are known to be higher in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales than in England.

The researchers calculated that, between 2007 and 2009, nearly 22,000 more people died from cardiovascular disease and diet-related cancers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland than would be expected if death rates were as low as in England.

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They also estimated that around 4,000 deaths could have been prevented or delayed each year in the rest of the UK if everyone in those countries had eaten the average diet in England.

Writing in the journal BMJ Open, the study authors concluded: 'Diet has a substantial impact on geographical variations in mortality from coronary heart disease, stroke and various cancers within the UK.'

Victoria Taylor, senior dietician at the British Heart Foundation, said the study has highlighted 'clear inequalities' in the nation's diet.

'Our governments must do everything they can to create environments that help people make healthy choices,' she added.

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